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KEY POINTS:
Why are we asking this now?
Because tomorrow from about 8pm, a total lunar eclipse can be seen, the first observed from New Zealand since 2000. Jupiter will also be visible.
What is a lunar eclipse?
It occurs whenever the moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, with the Earth in the middle. An eclipse can only happen on a full Moon. It happens at least twice a year.
What can I expect to see this year?
At 7.52pm, the moon will enter the Earth's penumbral (partial) shadow. By 9pm it will have entered Earth's umbra (full) shadow. A dark shadow will appear on the bottom edge of the moon. It will slowly darken and possibly turn an orange colour until maximum eclipse at 10.37pm. The moon will now be completely engulfed in Earth's shadow and is only visible due to refracted sunlight through the Earth's atmosphere.
Over the next three hours the moon will slowly move through the shadow of the Earth and appear out the other side, fully lit and restored to a full moon.
Where can I view it from?
From your backyard. A telescope isn't necessary but if you have a pair of binoculars, the colour will be magnified.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch. You don't need any kind of protective filters. The Astronomical Society has organised viewing through telescopes from 7.30pm at Selwyn Reserve at Mission Bay.
What are some of the myths surrounding lunar eclipses?
In ancient China, people believed a sky dragon flooded the moon with blood before swallowing it whole. Indian people also believed a dragon was responsible and during an eclipse, they would immerse themselves in water up to their necks in worship.
In Japan, people once believed that poison dropped from the sky. To stop it contaminating their water, they covered the wells.
Emperor Louis died after observing an eclipse in 840. It was said that he was so confused by the five minutes of darkness that he died from fright.
On Columbus' last voyage to America in 1503, he was stranded in Jamaica for over a year because of a badly damaged ship.
The native Americans apparently soon grew tired of supplying the crew with food.
Columbus knew that a lunar eclipse would soon occur so he told the natives that God was angry with them for not giving them food and that he was going to make the Moon disappear.
An eclipse occurred and they begged Columbus to ask God to forgive them and bring back the Moon. After the eclipse, Columbus told the natives that God had forgiven them and the Moon would be returned.
